LETTER: Voucher program is religious bullying

There has been much discussion concerning bullying in our schools. One area not discussed is religious bullying. I would define religious bullying as creating a condition or situation that attempts to change a person's religious or non belief without their permission. Religious advertisement in printed form or in television can easily be avoided. It is more difficult for students and faculty to avoid religious bullying around or within their school building.

Religious schools can be expected to foster their particular brand of religion. We don't expect public school students and faculty to be put upon by proponents or religion whether it be an individual or group, in or near the school building, led by another student or adult.

The biggest religious bully in our state is our governor, who is using the power of his office to secure public funds for religious schools through the voucher program. Our state constitution forbids using public funds to support religious institutions but our governor seems to dismiss this. We need to support those who are challenging the voucher legislation in court and to let our voices be heard by our state legislators.